Why 'Jiuliu Yige' Became the Ultimate Roast in Chinese Online Culture

If you've spent any time scrolling through Chinese social media—especially on Weibo, Douyin, or Bilibili—you've probably stumbled upon the phrase jiuliu yige (九流一个). At first glance, it sounds harmless. But in the wild world of online banter, this four-character jab has become the ultimate digital slap. So why did a seemingly obscure insult blow up into a viral roast? Let’s dive in.

Literally, jiuliu refers to the 'ninth class'—a throwback to ancient China's caste-like ranking system where scholars ranked professions from 'first stream' (一流) to 'ninth stream' (九流), with the latter being near the bottom. Add yige (one person), and you’ve got: 'You’re ninth-tier trash.' Ouch.

But here’s the twist: the insult gained traction not just for its venom, but for its irony and meme-worthy delivery. It exploded around 2021 when netizens began using it sarcastically—calling themselves jiuliu yige after failing exams, getting ghosted, or burning dinner. Self-deprecation + historical flair = internet gold.

The real turning point? Livestreamers and comedians weaponized it. One popular Bilibili comic started ending rants with 'You’re jiuliu yige!' followed by a dramatic mic drop. The catchiness made it spread like wildfire.

Why It Stuck: Humor, History, and Relatability

Unlike harsher slurs, jiuliu yige walks the line between savage and silly. It’s theatrical, almost Shakespearean in its flair—but rooted in modern insecurity. In a culture that values face (面子), calling someone ninth-tier is both devastating and absurdly funny.

And let’s talk stats. According to a 2023 report by Sensetime Social Lab, mentions of jiuliu yige grew by over 400% year-on-year on Chinese platforms. It now appears in over 1.2 million posts monthly, often paired with memes of sad pandas or failed Kung Fu masters.

Today, jiuliu yige isn’t just an insult—it’s a cultural shorthand for failure, humility, and dark humor. Brands have even jumped on it. A snack company launched 'Jiuliu Snacks'—packaged as 'for the gloriously mediocre.'

In a digital age where everyone’s curating perfection, jiuliu yige is refreshingly real. It’s not about tearing people down—it’s about laughing at the messiness of life. And maybe, just maybe, that’s why it reigns supreme in China’s roast Olympics.